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Gender Gender

grow women’s leadership in government, and spark real report,” she said, “we’re here to reflect, learn, and renew
conversations between local provinces and the national our promise to make sure no woman or girl is left behind.”
government. The Fijian delegation presented a modern, data-based
And history was made in April 2024, when three women approach to tackling gender issues, focusing on fair budgeting
were elected to Parliament, not through by-elections and major policy reforms. With women comprising 49.3% of
or appointments, but by public vote. “This is a big step Fiji’s population, the government has made the pursuit of
forward,” Alependava said, “but we know there’s still more to gender parity central to its national agenda supported by the
do.” Ministry of Women.
To help more women get into politics, the government Key highlights from Fiji’s report included: gender-responsive
is now looking at temporary special measures, like gender budgeting across 53 programs and all ministries; a marked
quotas and changes to the election system to level the playing increase in women’s representation in the Fiji Police Force
field. The delegation also suggested that holding national from 1% in top leadership in 2016 to 19% in 2024; a 28%
and provincial elections at the same time could help increase increase in women beneficiaries of agricultural programs; the
voter turnout and cut campaign costs, both wins for women launch of Fiji’s first National Action Plan to Prevent Violence
hoping to lead. Against Women and Girls, positioning patriarchy as a root
Solomon Islands’ CEDAW presentation outlined extensive cause of violence; and the expansion of social protection
legislative and policy reforms, including: The passing of the schemes with a gender lens such as disability, pension, and
Education Act 2023, with clear implementation pathways for rural maternal support programs.
provincial schools, early childhood centers, and education The review also spotlighted major investments in
governance bodies; a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion healthcare, including Fiji’s first Maternal and Child Health
Policy (2025–2035) adopted by the Ministry of Public Service, Policy (2025), enhancements in contraceptive supply chains,
promoting inclusive, non-discriminatory work environments; and a new cervical cancer screening initiative. With HIV cases
ongoing reviews of the Island Marriage Act, Labour Act; and a on the rise, the government has declared a national outbreak
proposed bill on human trafficking and a few others. and responded with an urgent multi-sectoral surge strategy.
The delegation also shared that gender equality is starting In education, most children in Fiji go to primary school,
to become part of everyday work across government and 91% of girls are enrolled in secondary school. Women also
departments, where gender-focused planning is now being make up the majority of university graduates. Initiatives like
built into daily operations. vocational training centres and the “Girls in ICT” program aim
A big step forward is also happening in the climate space. to build women’s economic resilience and narrow the digital
For the first time, Solomon Islands is including gender divide.
in its national climate reports like the Third National On women’s political participation, Fiji has rolled out
Communication and the upcoming Biannual Transparency district-level leadership workshops, women’s practice
Report. These reports now acknowledge how climate change parliaments, and electoral reform consultations.
hits women and girls harder, especially in rural and coastal Fiji’s delegation also outlined their proactive efforts
communities. to combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence,
But challenges are still there. The team pointed out that including through accession to the Budapest Convention
it’s still tough to make sure women in remote areas are fully on Cybercrime and local awareness campaigns grounded in
involved in decision-making, and gender stereotypes remain traditional values such as veidokai and veilomani.
a barrier. There’s also more work needed to improve how the Minister Kiran also highlighted climate change as a critical
country collects and uses sex-disaggregated data that is, data gender issue. “Fiji is acutely aware of the disproportionate
broken down by gender to guide policy. impact of climate change on rural and coastal women,” she
“Being here today shows our government’s strong noted, citing the enactment of the Climate Change Act with
commitment to aligning our laws and policies with CEDAW,” strong gender inclusion provisions.
said Alependava. He also thanked the CEDAW Committee and As the first country in the Pacific to host the CEDAW
other Pacific partners for supporting the journey. technical cooperation, Fiji used the platform to express
gratitude and highlight its commitment to transparent
Fiji affirms bold, inclusive vision for gender equality dialogue, intersectional progress, and ongoing partnership
Under the leadership of Minister for Women, Children and with civil society, development agencies, and the broader
Social Protection Sashi Kiran, the Republic of Fiji delivered its international community.
6th State Report before the CEDAW Committee, showcasing a “Fiji’s journey toward gender equality is ongoing,” Minister
deep, whole-of-government commitment to gender equality Kiran concluded. “We are guided by the strength of our
and the empowerment of all women and girls. women, past and present, and we remain committed to
In her opening speech, Minister Kiran said Fiji’s National building a just, inclusive future for all.”
Development Plan shaped by nationwide consultations shows
that even though there’s been progress, gender equality is
still uneven in many areas of life. “We’re not just here to

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